Linda Ruth Werntz

Linda Ruth Werntz, 66, peacefully passed away on Friday, December 30, 2022, at FHN Memorial Hospital surrounded by her beloved family. She was born on August 14, 1956, to Caryl and Eldon Kortemeier in Freeport, Illinois. Linda graduated from Freeport High School in 1974, and from Highland Community College in 1993 with an Associate's Degree in Nursing. On August 15, 1987, Linda married the love of her life, Don Werntz, at Park Hills Evangelical Church in Freeport. Linda dedicated herself towards helping others by serving as a nurse at FHN, as well as several elementary schools in Freeport. She also spent time as a music teacher at Tri-County Christian School and as a Case Manager at Northern Illinois Health Plan. Linda was raised as a devout Christian, and continued to practice her faith as a member of Park Hills. Linda was a ray of light for not only her family, but everyone she touched. Her warm, outgoing disposition was a cornerstone of her character, which allowed her to continuously welcome new individuals into her life. Linda consistently pursued new experiences and rarely balked at the opportunity to gather with friends and family. She carried a love for animals, including horses, and especially for her dog Lexi. After suffering a severe brain aneurysm in June of 2020, Linda fought through multiple setbacks, surgeries, and therapies to dance at her firstborn son's wedding in Miami, Florida, enjoy a family trip to the Florida Keys, pay witness to the birth of her first granddaughter, and participate in the engagement of her youngest of two sons. Her family will remember Linda as someone who would sacrifice and fight for her cherished family, yet wouldn't apologize for living her life to the fullest. Linda is survived by her husband, Don; her two sons, Ryan (Kylie) Werntz and Adam Werntz (fianc Sarah Baier); her granddaughter, Charlotte Linda Werntz; her mother, Caryl Horstmeier; her aunt, Janet Lubbers; her two brothers, Gary and David Kortemeier; as well as multiple nieces and nephews. Linda was preceded in death by her father, Eldon Kortemeier, her parents-in-law, Lester and Audrey Werntz, her nephew, Liam Kortemeier, and her dog, Lexi. "Linda's Goodbye Gala" will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023, from 3:00pm - 6:00pm and will be held at Grand River Hall in Freeport. There will be a short message/prayer at 5:00pm. Casual attire is requested. Although Linda adored floral arrangements, a memorial fund has been established in her name. Previous Events Linda's Goodbye Gala JAN 7. 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM (CT) Grand River Hall 101 South Liberty Freeport , IL 61032 Loading map